Curriculum

We believe that literacy is thinking, and we strive to support the growth of our students as lifelong learners and critical thinkers. We are committed to building strong foundations in literacy for all of our learners through responsive instruction and early intervention while providing opportunities for choice, voice, and inquiry.

An effective language arts program supports learners in developing strategic actions in order to make meaning while engaging with a wide variety of texts, multiple perspectives and cultures, and collaborative learning experiences.  

Our instructional units are grounded in the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts concentrating on literature, informational text, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, media literacy and language.  

We believe language arts instructional practices should foster the joy of literacy while being responsive to the cultures, language, and experiences that learners bring to the classroom community.

Standards

• Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts

Connecting mathematical experiences to the world around them, children are challenged to become increasingly sophisticated in dealing with mathematical concepts. The mathematics curriculum builds on students’ math understanding, skills, and proficiency at each grade level, as appropriate, by integrating concepts such as number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students also engage in problem solving, reasoning, and communicating ideas while making connections to the world around them.

Standards

• Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics

Science is the active study of the natural and man-made world, including processes, structures, designs, and systems. Science students use their senses and tools to observe, record and analyze data about the world and make conclusions based on evidence. Scientifically literate young people can understand basic science concepts, use skills for doing scientific investigations, solve technical problems, and design technologies for today’s world. – Minnesota Department of Education

Standards

• Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science

We are committed to developing future citizens who are informed and able to contribute to our democratic system. The social studies curriculum provides the opportunity for each student to acquire knowledge; gain a deeper appreciation of the commonalities and the diversity which makes our national and world societies culturally unique, and develop skills necessary for responsible social, political and economic participation in a diverse, interdependent and changing world. A variety of integrated experiences drawing on such disciplines as history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology and anthropology enables students to function effectively and contribute constructively within society.

At BHMS, students will study three different social studies courses: Minnesota Studies (6th grade), American Studies (7th grade), and Global Studies (8th grade). Throughout these courses students will gain both historical and global perspective, while developing literacy skills and critical thinking.

Standards

• Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies

Black Hawk students can explore the exciting opportunity to learn Spanish.

The AVID acronym stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. This is a nationally-recognized educational approach that ensures all students are successful in rigorous curriculum. 

AVID in the secondary setting equips our teachers with what they need to help students in the academic middle succeed on a path to college and career success. The foundation of our AVID work at Black Hawk is built on the SLANT method:

• Sit up
• Lean forward
• Ask questions
• Nod your head
• Talk to teacher, track with your eyes and take notes

Learn more about AVID >

The EL English class will focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will bring a book of their own choosing to read in zone reading every day. Students may bring their own books, or find books in the classroom library or during weekly visits to the school media center. In addition, we will read from a variety of texts, including novels, poetry, current events in Scholastic Action magazine and on Newsela, articles, plays, picture books, and short stories.

Students are expected to express their ideas in writing for a variety of purposes, including school reports, compare and contrast, persuade, teach, show sequence, inform, entertain, cause and effect, reflect on their own learning and experiences. Students will learn to actively listen to others in school to build community, friendships, deepen their learning experiences, and grow as people. Students will express themselves verbally for a variety of purposes, both socially and academically, informally and formally.

Students will actively engage in building their vocabularies to expand their abilities to express themselves verbally and in writing. We will also have some time for homework assistance.

Classes offered in Family and Consumer Science this year include:

• 6th Grade
• Food and Design
• FACS for Life
• Food and Money

All course materials will be posted under the course Schoology page.

Learn more about BHMS Gifted and Talent Development >

Ms. Ninteman and Ms. Edelman welcome YOU to the library!!

You are invited to come to the library anytime during school hours. Remember to bring a pass during the school day. Come browse through our collection, get book recommendations, check out books, use the computers, ask questions, do research, or just read quietly.

Please feel free to stop by the Media Center Desk to ask questions!

Learn more about the BHMS Library Media Center >

We have a thriving music department at BHMS and many opportunities for students to be involved in music. We offer both band and choir. Learn more about music at BHMS >

BHMS Physical Education Belief Statement:

"Physical Education contributes to the lifelong development of the student by providing opportunities which positively impact and increase the intellectual, social, emotional and physical fitness of a student."

Standards

• Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Reading

District 196 and BHMS special education educators are committed to equitable opportunities through high quality practices to accelerate growth for all students. We provide a full continuum of services for students with disabilities at BHMS.

Learn more about special education >

All of the Tech Ed elective classes are focused on STEM education — integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities are problem-based, requiring students to use the design process to devise a solution, whether they are building a game, a product or designing a house.